MySQL CURDATE And CURRENT_DATE Functions: Get The Current Date Of The System

The CURDATE() and CURRENT_DATE() functions in MySQL are used to return the current date. Both functions do not require any arguments and they both return the current date in 'YYYY-MM-DD' format.

Prerequisites:

A MySQL server up and running.
Access to a MySQL user account with privileges to create, modify, and query tables.

Tutorial:

Connect to the MySQL server:

To start the mysql command-line client, open your terminal or command prompt, and enter:

mysql -u [username] -p

Replace [username] with your MySQL username and enter your password when prompted.

Using the CURDATE() function:

The basic syntax for using the CURDATE() function is as follows:

SELECT CURDATE();

This will return the current date.

Using the CURRENT_DATE() function:

Similarly, you can use the CURRENT_DATE() function to get the current date:

SELECT CURRENT_DATE();

This will also return the current date.

Both CURDATE() and CURRENT_DATE() functions will give you the same result.

Using CURDATE() and CURRENT_DATE() with a table:

Suppose you have a table named orders with a column named order_date. You can use the CURDATE() or CURRENT_DATE() function to find all orders placed on the current date like this:

SELECT *
FROM orders
WHERE order_date = CURDATE();

SELECT *
FROM orders
WHERE order_date = CURRENT_DATE();

Both these queries will return a list of orders placed on the current date.

Exit the MySQL command-line client:

EXIT;

By using the CURDATE() or CURRENT_DATE() function in MySQL, you can easily get the current date. These functions can be useful for finding records associated with the current date, among other things.

How to Use CURDATE in MySQL:
- The CURDATE function is used to retrieve the current date in MySQL.
```
SELECT CURDATE();
-- Output: Current date in 'YYYY-MM-DD' format
```
How to Use CURRENT_DATE in MySQL:
- CURRENT_DATE is an alternative to CURDATE for fetching the current date.
```
SELECT CURRENT_DATE();
```
Getting the Current Date in MySQL with CURDATE:
- Retrieve the current date using CURDATE.
```
SELECT CURDATE() AS today;
```
Getting the Current Date in MySQL with CURRENT_DATE:
- Achieve the same result using CURRENT_DATE.
```
SELECT CURRENT_DATE() AS today;
```
MySQL CURDATE vs CURRENT_DATE Comparison:
- Both functions provide the current date; choose the one that fits your preference.
```
SELECT CURDATE() AS curdate_example, CURRENT_DATE() AS current_date_example;
```

Using CURDATE in SELECT Queries in MySQL:

Incorporate CURDATE in your SELECT queries.

SELECT user_id, username, registration_date
FROM users
WHERE registration_date = CURDATE();

Using CURRENT_DATE in WHERE Clause in MySQL:
- Utilize CURRENT_DATE for date-based WHERE conditions.
```
SELECT order_id, order_date
FROM orders
WHERE order_date >= CURRENT_DATE() - INTERVAL 7 DAY;
```
Formatting the Current Date in MySQL:
- Format the date output using DATE_FORMAT.
```
SELECT DATE_FORMAT(CURDATE(), '%W, %M %e, %Y') AS formatted_date;
```
MySQL CURDATE and Time Zone Considerations:
- Be aware of time zone settings affecting CURDATE.
```
SET time_zone = '+00:00';
SELECT CURDATE();
```
Performing Date Calculations with CURDATE in MySQL:
- Perform date calculations with CURDATE.
```
SELECT CURDATE() + INTERVAL 1 MONTH AS next_month;
```

Using CURDATE in MySQL Date Comparisons:

Compare dates using CURDATE.

SELECT user_id, username
FROM users
WHERE last_login_date < CURDATE() - INTERVAL 30 DAY;